LGBT group to protest Trinity Bible's policies

Group will also speak Monday in Aberdeen

Group will also speak Monday in Aberdeen

April 20, 2007|By Emily Arthur, American News Writer

An equality group intending to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered issues will not be allowed on the Trinity Bible College campus in Ellendale, N.D., an official from the school said on Thursday. The 2007 Soulforce Equality Ride, a group rallying against religion-based discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people at Christian colleges across the nation, is planning to visit Trinity Bible College on Monday. The group has two buses that will visit 32 schools with policies banning the enrollment of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered students. Although the group will have a designated area on the edge of campus where it can congregate, it won't be allowed on Trinity Bible College property, the Rev. Dennis Niles, the college's president, said in a prepared statement. College officials said Soulforce is coming to Ellendale to protest Trinity Bible College's sexuality policies. The college's student handbook says: "The college requires all students to refrain from any form of sexual immorality, including promiscuity, homosexuality, sexual violence and abuse, adultery, date rape, pre-marital sex, and all forms of pornography." "I realize there is a difference in our viewpoints on the subject," Niles said in the statement. "Our viewpoint is based on what we believe to be a clear understanding of biblical authority." The Soulforce riders, consisting of about 25 people, will arrive Sunday in Ellendale, said Brandon Kneefel, a rider and media representative for Soulforce. There will be a meet and greet at Ellendale's Fireside Steakhouse, beginning at 12:30 p.m. and going until 3 p.m. Kneefel said. The event is open to everyone. On Monday, the group will have a vigil, beginning at 9 a.m., on the edge of campus. There also will potluck at 5 p.m. followed by a presentation and a short discussion from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Red Rooster Coffee House in Aberdeen, said David D. Fischer, a local Soulforce member. Steve Tvedt, vice president of college relations at Trinity Bible, said Soulforce representatives have also asked for a meeting with college administration. Tvedt will meet with the group briefly off campus sometime Monday morning. "We do not expect trouble, but we do not wish to engage them in fruitless discussion," Niles said in the statement. "It is apparent their sole agenda is to change what we believe to be historical scriptural principles related to homosexuality and other gender issues. It is clear they have a pre-determined agenda and do not wish to make any changes for themselves. It is our position that they deliberately misinterpret scripture to justify their behaviors and agenda." However, officials from Soulforce say "the purpose of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance." Dickey County Sheriff Jim Bohannon said he's been made aware that Soulforce will be in Ellendale Sunday and Monday; however, he does not expect any problems. Reporter Emily Arthur (605) 622-2314 or 1-800-925-4100 ext. 314; earthur@aberdeennews.com